I was on the recently upgraded Gay Christian Network and found the following comment from a passing pastor on one of the threads:
I hear this type of tone-deaf response from Christian leaders often. They believe that they have the right to tell gay Christians (or gays in general) how to live. They tell us that we should live our lives in a way that they have not chosen for themselves. And they act like they're doing a favor for not denying the reality of our identities as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Once again, I'm sure that this church leader meant well when he came to GCN and told us that he's struggling with whether or not we should be required to live lives of celibacy or not. But I wish that more people would enter gay Christian spaces and just come to learn without trying to assert their own values over us.
Justin, I am a church leader... We intentionally invite ALL people to be a part of our community. I am a 50+ year old, straight, married grandfather. From a very conservative background. I am listening to TORN through Audible because I am torn. I see the light of Christ in the worship, life and spirit of gay people at our church and ..... it bumps up against my traditional theology. I am a super open kind of guy and have no problems believing that gay Christians exist and are true people of faith. I would be more like Catholic folks and believe in celibacy... but I want to explore and learn more. One young lady in specific is causing me to look deeper. She is such a beautiful soul who worships with her life. I see in her Christ, yet she is in a monogamous, same-sex relationship and has two children. I am being pushed theologically and spiritually. Thanks for letting me be a member of this group and to learn more. I am really enjoying TORN. Chapter 11 while I drive today. BlessingsI know that this guy means well. But I couldn't help thinking when I read that bolded portion of his comment, "How nice. Thanks for telling me how I should live my life and deciding whether or not I'm allowed to be married or make other relational decisions."
I hear this type of tone-deaf response from Christian leaders often. They believe that they have the right to tell gay Christians (or gays in general) how to live. They tell us that we should live our lives in a way that they have not chosen for themselves. And they act like they're doing a favor for not denying the reality of our identities as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Once again, I'm sure that this church leader meant well when he came to GCN and told us that he's struggling with whether or not we should be required to live lives of celibacy or not. But I wish that more people would enter gay Christian spaces and just come to learn without trying to assert their own values over us.